Headlines (Campus Updates)

Laurier Brantford opens Digital Library and Learning Commons

Laurier’s Brantford campus moved a step closer to having its own dedicated library with the grand opening of the new Digital Library and Learning Commons (DLLC) Wednesday, Jan. 29.

The DLLC space hosts library services that improve the student experience and facilitate academic success. It features individual and group study areas, computer work stations, access to a wide range of electronic resources, easy access to academic librarians trained to help students and faculty members with their research, and a service desk. The space is located on the lower level of Grand River Hall, 171 Colborne Street.

“We actually have a place to call our own,” said Pavan Preet, a third-year Laurier Brantford student who was at the opening. “It’s a quiet place to study, and the location is very convenient.”

The opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony as well as remarks from Deborah MacLatchy, Laurier’s vice-president, academic; Brian Rosborough, senior executive officer at the Brantford campus; and Gohar Ashoughian, Laurier’s university librarian. Guests enjoyed refreshments and explored the new space, which features a colourful stained glass wall, as well as framed photographs of the Aboriginal artwork that had been painted on the pillars in the space.

“This is not the end of the journey, but it’s a very positive step towards a full library commons space on the Brantford campus,” said Ashoughian. “This attractive, modern DLLC space will have a major positive impact on our ability to support teaching and learning and the research endeavours of Laurier students and faculty on the Brantford campus.”

The new DLLC does not contain physical collections, and the Laurier book and other physical materials collection will continue to be housed in their current location at the Brantford Public Library – which Ashoughian thanked for its continued support and partnership.

MacLatchy noted the care that went into creating a space suited to a contemporary, integrative approach to academics.

“Given that so much of our learning is collaborative now, this is a fantastic space that provides so many different areas and options for students to interact and engage,” she said.

The DLLC provides much needed space for library services until a full-service Laurier Brantford library can be developed, said Rosborough.

“This type of space is something our students and faculty have been requesting for some time, and we’re pleased to be able to provide it,” he said. “This is a great step as we work towards a long-term solution to meet the needs of our growing campus.”